CENTER FOR STRUCTURAL MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
CSMB
Bio-SANS, a Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) facility for biological samples, is currently being constructed at the ORNL High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). The CSMB is also closely aligned with researchers at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). Isotope Labeling Laboratories for cloning, gene expression, purification and characterization of labeled biological macromolecules are planned; a pilot deuteration facility is currently operational. Computational Techniques are being developed for the study of macromolecular complexes by SANS. Combined with selective Deuterium-labeling, they will make it possible to develop detailed structural models that will enable the understanding of function. Another computation technique developed for the study of calculates solution small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering intensity profiles by ORNL-SAS. This makes it possible to develop from a wide variety of structures, including atomicresolution models of proteins and protein complexes, low-resolution models defined in any manner, or combinations of both. Neutron
diffraction, spectroscopy and scattering are excellent tools
for studying biological systems because neutrons interact differently
with hydrogen and its isotope deuterium. As a result, it is possible to:
These studies use neutrons to address questions that have not - or cannot - be answered by other techniques. SANS can be used to study biological systems under near physiological conditions, providing insight into interactions within complexes and conformational changes in response to stimuli. Through the use of specific deuterium labeling SANS makes it possible to highlight and map components within larger complexes (e.g. viruses, ribosome). The SANS instruments at ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source will open new opportunities for studying conformational changes and molecular processes on biologically relevant timescales. The CSMB welcomes interest from researchers from a wide variety of scientific disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Computational Sciences. For further information please
contact:
|